This area was previously the thriving town of Fayerdale - where Iron Ore Mining was a primary industry. (Guess what the other major business was. Hint above) The ore was dug out of the mountain-sides by hand, loaded into horse drawn wagons and hauled off down muddy, dirt rutted roads about 75 miles to the town of Pulaski.
The Confederate States of America operated these mines and smelting furnace during the Civil War (or "War of Northern Aggression" as Will Ketchum refers to it) and it is reported that this pig ore was used in the iron clad ship U.S.S. Monitor.
Today we can peer into these dark openings into the earth's soul, barred for safety, and imagine the hundreds of men who once worked these hills. And speaking of hills, your cache awaits up on the hill in a small blue box approximately 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 by 2 inches deep. It's not a large box, so bring a small item to trade. The hint is a definate spoiler.